New certification, registration, and safety rules aim to curb misuse and protect public paths
Singapore is rolling out sweeping changes to how mobility scooters and personal mobility aids are used, sold, and regulated, as authorities respond to safety concerns, misuse, and an aging population increasingly relying on assistive devices.
Medical Certification Becomes Mandatory
From June 1, users of mobility scooters in Singapore must hold a Certificate of Medical Need, according to the Land Transport and Related Matters Bill debated in Parliament on Feb 3. Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng said the move targets the growing misuse of mobility scooters by able-bodied individuals. Certification assessments can begin from Feb 27 and will be conducted by doctors, general practitioners, or occupational therapists.
The assessment focuses on whether a user has a genuine medical need, whether the condition is temporary or long-term, and whether the scooter exceeds prescribed size limits. Fees are expected to range from $20 to $150, with a median of $50, which the Land Transport Authority described as modest compared to scooter prices that typically range from $1,000 to $2,000.
Automatic Exemptions for Vulnerable Groups
To avoid inconveniencing those with clear needs, several groups are automatically exempt from certification. These include seniors aged 70 and above, beneficiaries of mobility and assistive technology funds, and applicants under Health Ministry disability schemes who have already been assessed for mobility needs. Wheelchair users are also excluded from the requirement.
Enforcement officers may check users for proof from June 1, with penalties for non-compliance reaching fines of up to $2,000, jail terms of up to six months, or both. Authorities emphasized that checks will focus on suspected misuse, while acknowledging that some mobility challenges are not visible.
Registration and Sales Rules Tightened
New mobility scooters sold from June 1 must be registered, and retailers will only be allowed to advertise and sell approved models. Scooters will be treated as medical devices, requiring sellers and importers to hold a Health Sciences Authority medical device dealer license. Each model must also be listed on the HSA Class A Medical Device Database before sale.
Retailers must verify buyers’ certification or exemption status via the OneMotoring website. Owners of existing scooters can start registering their devices from mid-2027, with full enforcement taking effect on Jan 1, 2029, when riding an unregistered scooter on public paths becomes an offense.
Lower Speed Limits and Size Restrictions
The maximum speed limit for personal mobility aids on public paths will be reduced from 10kmh to 6kmh from June 1. Existing devices with higher speed limits can still be used until Dec 31, 2028, provided they are ridden within the new limit. From Jan 1, 2029, all devices must be mechanically capped at 6kmh.
Oversized PMAs exceeding 120cm by 70cm by 150cm or weighing more than 300kg when laden will be banned entirely from public paths, addressing complaints about obstruction and safety risks to pedestrians.
Fire Safety Standards Strengthened
In response to recent fires, the Bill also tightens fire safety rules for personal mobility devices such as e-scooters. From June 1, it will be illegal to own or keep devices not certified to the UL2272 fire safety standard. Although fire incidents have fallen from 115 cases in 2019 to 49 cases in 2025, authorities noted that most recent fires involved non-certified devices.
Individuals who fail to dispose of non-compliant devices face fines of up to $2,000 or jail terms of up to three months, while businesses may be fined up to $4,000. Disposal must be done through approved e-waste recyclers or official collection drives.
Concerns Over Enforcement and Platform Workers
During the parliamentary debate, 19 MPs raised concerns over enforcement grey areas and the impact on seniors and delivery riders. Some questioned whether users with chronic pain or fatigue but no formal diagnosis might be unfairly excluded. Others warned against stigmatizing PMA users through over-enforcement based on appearance alone.
Several MPs also pointed to delivery platforms as a key factor, citing time pressures and performance incentives that push riders to move faster. Calls were made for platform companies to take greater responsibility, including exploring digital verification links with LTA to ensure riders meet certification requirements without being sidelined.
The new regulations mark a significant shift in how Singapore balances accessibility, safety, and accountability in shared public spaces. For Indonesians and Singaporeans watching the city-state’s transport policies, the measures highlight a stricter, more structured approach to mobility management, with implications for urban planning, platform economies, and aging societies across the region.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , MOT GOV SG (2026)
Keywords: Mobility Scooters, Personal Mobility Aids, LTA Regulations, Public Path Safety, Singapore Transport
